Don't Let Go (A Student/Teacher Relationship)

Don't Let Go - Part Twenty Three

                 “What the heck? Was that really necessary?” Dad snarled at me and I was shocked by the malice in his quiet voice. I narrowed my eyes at him until he composed his features away from the violent glare.

“You shouldn’t lie to me” I said in a steely voice, unable to look away from his dark eyes.

“I didn’t-“

“And there you go again” I rolled my eyes and his narrowed dangerously. He pushed himself up from the chair and towered over me, breathing heavily as he tried to calm himself down. His cheek had a slight hand-shaped red mark splayed across it and I couldn’t help but cower away from the anger in his eyes. “Tell me the truth dad” I tried to stop the shake in my voice but my fear was obvious.

“I told you, I was afraid” His jaw locked and he spoke through gritted teeth.

“But not for the reasons you claim” He sighed heavily and glared down at me, a muscle jumping in his tight jaw. I took a deep breath and pushed myself off the chair so I was standing right close to him. He was only a couple of inches taller than me so I could meet his cold gaze with my own without much trouble. “Tell me the truth dad” My voice was harder now, firmer and I clenched my fists.

“I am afraid, but I did lie. You’re mother was nothing but a filthy whore” He shouted and stepped closer, his chest pressing against my own. My gaze flitted to the door where I hoped to see Jeremy and Danny burst through any second. It remained closed.

“Don’t talk about her like that; she’s not like that” I whimpered, punching his chest but he didn’t even flinch.

“You really don’t know her at all do you. She’s nothing but a slut; she used me! She went out practically every night and slept with whoever she could find. I hate her so much. I hate you all so much! I don’t even know if you’re my children or not, and I was afraid to come back because I knew that I would hurt her or you”

“Then why are you here? Get the hell away from me!” I screamed, trying to push him further away from me as I stepped back, only to fall into the sofa.

“You’re just so like her though, aren’t you Riley Yeager, you even took her name” Kissing some bloke obviously older than you in a hospital waiting room while your little brother sits there hurt. You’re a whore just like her and I hate you both!” He said. His voice was no longer loud but quiet and deadly, disgust evident in the icy tones. I could see in his eyes what he was about to do as he reached down and pulled me roughly to my feet again. His fist drew back and I closed my eyes, unable to do anything else. Somewhere in the distance the door burst open but his fist collided with my face, snapping my neck around. I would’ve fallen if it hadn’t been for his other hand holding my neck, strangling me.

“Riley!” An all too familiar voice called while I struggled to breathe, but then all the weight was gone. I watched as the man punched my father, sending him out cold on the carpeted floor. Jeremy and Danny stood in the background, eyes wide and staring as the guy who rescued me hurried over. “Riley, are you alright?” The concern was obvious in his tone and even though I was furious at him, I couldn’t help but smile as I looked into his bright blue eyes.

“One hit knock-out Finn. I’m impressed” My eyes fluttered shut and I realised that my voice was distant. “Why are you here?” I rested my hand gently on his cheek and he did the same to me. Jamie was talking to someone in the background but the only thing that I could pay attention to was Finn. We were both angry at each other and knew that we shouldn’t be this close; we couldn’t be this close but right here, right now, I didn’t care.

“I was invited over for dinner. I live next door too remember” I smiled again, remembering the day he’d come knocking on my door to greet the new neighbours, only to find me half dressed.

“How could I forget? That was one awkward meeting” I laughed wearily. My head hurt and I could feel myself starting to fall asleep. His eyes widened in concern and he tapped my cheek lightly.

“Riley, Riley don’t fall asleep” He spoke with urgency and I forced my eyes to open.

“Why not, I’m so tired?” I slurred most the words so they were almost incomprehensible.

“Just stay awake, don’t leave me” That evoked painful memories of the night before our big fight; could it really only have been the night before last. Jeez, the last two days had been way too long and eventful.

“I can’t do the impossible” I smirked, trying to muster up enough energy to be angry with him. All I could manage was lethargy. “I’ve not forgiven you, I’m still angry” People were saying my name now but still all that mattered was Finn and I, stealing this moment in time for ourselves.

“I know, but I stand by what I said that morning.” Finally a spark of anger bloomed in my chest and I feebly tried to push him away.

“Then let go of me. Get Jeremy and let me be, Mr Evans” I slurred and another face appeared above me, breaking through the bubble that surrounded Mr Evans and I.

“I’m right here Riley” Jeremy’s hand gripped mine tightly and I smiled up at him. Mr Evans’s face fell and he moved away slightly, letting go of me but then he looked properly at Jeremy.

“You’re that bartender aren’t you, from that night?” He said in shock and Jeremy nodded.

“Yeah, that would be me” I could see that this conversation would probably end badly for me but I couldn’t bring myself to care. All I wanted to do was sleep so I closed my eyes and nestled into Jeremy’s arms, my head pounding violently. The last thing I heard was Mr Evans announcing he’d better leave, and though I tried to fight it, there was a tiny part of me that wanted to object. He promised he wouldn’t leave me, so why was he going? But then everything went black as I was pulled into unconsciousness.